Captain A. EVANSasked the Minister of Labour how long the question of securing better accommodation at the Employment Exchange at Penarth has been receiving active consideration; and when 1735W he expects to arrive at a definite decision in the matter and take the necessary action to alter the present state of affairs?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDNegotiations have been in progress for the past 12 months for the acquisition of a building for this Employment Exchange, but what was regarded as a likely scheme has recently had to be abandoned. In these circumstances, I cannot say when it will be possible to obtain new premises, but the matter will be actively pursued.
Captain EVANSasked the Minister of Labour if he will furnish the latest figures he has of the number of unemployed people in Penarth, and give the highest and lowest numbers for the year 1922 to the latest date in 1928, inclusive?
Number of Men trained in Building Trade Classes. Number of Men placed in Employment. Training Centre. 1926. 1927. 1928. Total. (a) Building Trades. (b) Other Occupations. Claydon … 170 163 114 447 280 136 Brandon … 12 85 84 181 128 21 Birmingham and Dudley … 1,0715 716 424 2,216 986 1,199 Wallsend … 396 686 479 1,561 958 504 Bristel … — — 85 85 77 8 1,654 1,650 1,186 4,490 2,429 1,868 Records of the average wage obtained are not available.
§ Mr. VIANTasked the Minister of Labour whether there is any difference of training given at the building trade instructional centres of Brandon and Blaydon compared with that given at Birmingham, Wallsend, Dudley and Bristol; and, if so, the difference and the purpose of such differentiation?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt Brandon and Claydon the majority of the trainees are trained in farm work for settlement on the land overseas. There are also building trade courses, including carpentry, bricklaying and plastering, for about 50 men at each centre who intend to take up employment in rural or suburban districts in this country. At the other centres named, which prepare men only for employment in this country, instruction is given not only in the building trades but in a considerable variety of other trades.
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§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIt has not been possible in the time available in tabulate the information desired, but as soon as it is complete I will send it to my hon. and gallant Friend.